When starting a business venture, sometimes adding personal reasons and passion into the mix can make a big difference. Such is the case with Melissa Catalano, the owner of Elements Therapeutic Massage.

Formerly in the corporate and retail world, Catalano moved to Long Island from Brooklyn 12 years ago to start a family. She developed some medical issues, and with an open mind, explored the benefits of holistic health. Therapeutic massage, she discovered, helped her tremendously. Pain she has been experiencing eventually disappeared without medication. With that in mind, along with her business experience, she opened a massage salon with a unique perspective.

Since people get massages for different reasons, she matches up each client with a massage therapist who will serve them best. Among her 12 massage therapists, several are also medical students, one is a nurse, one is also training to do acupuncture, two work for chiropractors, and one is a personal trainer.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, have back pain, would like to improve the range of motion of your golf swing, want some “me” time, need to relieve stress, or you are a cancer patient looking for a wellness program, there is a special fit for you. After an initial intake, you’ll be matched with the therapist most suited for you. He or she will listen to your needs and employ the proper techniques to deliver a truly therapeutic experience.

Massage therapy addresses many health conditions, the most common being stress-related tension. By improving circulation, flexibility, stimulating the lymphatic system, and releasing endorphins — the body’s natural pain killer — massage can be beneficial for people with diabetes, depression, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, back problems, immunity suppression, migraine headaches, muscle pain from pregnancy, cancer-related fatigue and a host of other issues. Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. on Sunday. Gift certificates and periodic specials are available. One can join their membership program, which offers benefits and discounts, or try an individual session. Membership requires no long-term contracts or commitment, and family members can use it as well. Intake forms can be downloaded from their website. Walk-ins are always welcome.